Slideshow image

There are many things in life we cannot control.

We cannot control what other people say or do. We cannot control every circumstance, every disappointment, or every problem that comes our way. We cannot make someone treat us well, agree with us, forgive us, or change their behavior.

But we can choose how we respond.

For those of us who follow Christ, that matters because God is doing a work in us. Salvation is not something we earn by becoming better people. We are saved by God's grace through faith. But after we are saved, God continues working in our lives, changing us and making us more like Christ.

Romans 12:2 says, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

Notice where that transformation begins: with our minds. God does not tell us to renew everyone else's mind. He starts with ours.

That means there are some things we can control. We can control the words we choose. We can decide whether to forgive. We can choose kindness instead of anger. We can pray instead of worry. We can serve when we would rather be served. We can obey God even when someone else does not.

Paul gives us another example:

“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” — Colossians 3:2

We cannot control everything that enters our lives, but we can choose where we keep our attention. We can choose what we dwell on. We can choose whether our circumstances or Christ will have the greater influence on our thinking.

This doesn't mean difficult things don't matter. It means we stop spending all our energy trying to control things God never intended us to control.

Instead, we ask a different question: What can I do right now that honors Christ?

Maybe it is forgiving someone. Maybe it is holding your tongue. Maybe it is encouraging someone, praying, apologizing, serving, or simply doing the next thing God has placed in front of you.

We cannot control everyone around us. We cannot control every circumstance ahead of us.

But with God's help, we can surrender ourselves to Him.

And that is where transformation begins.

One Step Closer: Stop asking how you can change everyone and everything around you. Ask God what He wants to change in you.